OTTAWA, Jan. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - As part of the strengthened and modernized
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to
support the government's responsible resource development initiative,
the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has commenced a federal
environmental assessment for the proposed Whabouchi Mining Project
located in Quebec on January 29, 2013. The Agency invites the public to
comment on which aspects of the environment may be affected by this
project and what should be examined during the environmental
assessment.
The public can review and comment on the draft Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) Guidelines. This document identifies the potential
environmental effects to be taken into consideration and the
information and analysis that needs to be included in the proponent's
EIS.
Nemaska Lithium inc. is proposing the construction, operation and
decommissioning of an open pit spodumene mine for the production of
lithium. The Whabouchi mine is located at 30 km of the cree community
of Nemiscau and 280 km north of Chibougamau. As proposed, the project
includes the operation of an open pit, waste and tailings impoundment
area, a concentrator of ore as well as administration buildings and
maintenance. The mine would produce about 3 000 tonnes of ore for
23-year life span.
Written comments must be submitted by February 28, 2013 to:
Whabouchi Mining Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec, QC G1J 0C1
Tel.: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
MinierWhabouchiMining@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
To view the draft EIS Guidelines or for more information, visit the
Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (registry reference number 80021). All comments received will be considered public.
Copies of the draft EIS Guidelines are also available for viewing at the
following locations:
Municipal Library
601, 3rd Street
Chibougamau QC
|
Municipal Library
30 Cavelier
Matagami QC
|
32 Machishteweyaau Trail,
Némiscau QC
|
Isaac Shecapio Sr. Administration Building
187, Main Street
Mistissini QC
|
Consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA
2012, this is the second of four opportunities for Canadians to comment
on this project. Following this comment period, the Agency will
finalize and issue the EIS Guidelines to the proponent. An application
period for participant funding and a future public comment period
related to the EIS will be announced later.
This project will be assessed using a science-based approach. If the
project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to
be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement
and follow-up, and increased fines.
SOURCE: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
